Executive Board
Jincy Anthony
President
RN MSN, MBA - HCS, DNP
Jincy Anthony
RN MSN, MBA – HCS, DNP
Smitha Nair
Vice President
RN, BSN, MSN, DNP (Candidate)
Smitha Nair
RN, BSN, MSN, DNP (Candidate)
Jeena Joseph
Executive Vice President
RN, BSN, MBA, DNP (Candidate)
Soma Samuel
Vice President Treasurer
RN, BSN, MSN (Cadidate)
Soma Samuel
RN, BSN, MSN (Candidate)
As a dedicated Registered Nurse with 33 years of experience in diverse healthcare settings, I currently serve as an Infection Preventionist, leveraging my expertise to enhance patient safety and quality care. I’m furthering my education with a Master’s in Healthcare Quality and Patient Safety in Nursing, driven to advance best practices and improve healthcare outcomes.
Aswathi K. Varghese
Secretary
RN, RM, M.Sc(N), MBHCS,PhD(N)
Aswathi K. Varghese
RN, RM, M.Sc(N), MBHCS,PhD(N)
Aswathi Varghese began her nursing career in 1998, gaining extensive clinical experience in both practice and education. She has guided BSN and MSN students and held various academic and leadership positions. In 2003, after completing her postgraduate studies, she collaborated with the University of Edinburgh in Scotland to initiate a post-basic nursing curriculum. For thirteen years, she served as the principal of St. Thomas College of Nursing in Kerala, where she played a pivotal role in establishing the MSN program. Earning her PhD in Nursing was a personal and professional milestone, reflecting years of dedication to nursing education and research, and deepening her commitment to advancing the profession through academic leadership, scholarly inquiry, and evidence-based practice.
After relocating to the United States in 2020, Dr. Varghese began working as a Registered Nurse, advancing to RN Supervisor within a year before transitioning into the role of Nurse Educator. She currently serves as a Clinical Nurse Leader, where her doctoral expertise enables her to mentor Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) students and coordinate clinical experiences for LPN, BSN, and MSN students. Her work bridges academia and clinical practice, ensuring meaningful, hands-on learning aligned with academic goals. Her areas of expertise include curriculum design, program launches, international collaboration in curriculum planning, and the integration of digital tools for hybrid and distance education. A strong advocate for lifelong learning, she actively pursues professional growth through conferences, skill development, and continued education.
Since June 2023, Dr. Varghese has served as the Secretary of the Virginia Indian Nurses Association (VINA). In this role, she has strengthened her organizational and communication skills while managing records, minutes, and correspondence. She has contributed to event planning, member engagement, and governance processes, and played an active role in coordinating meetings, educational programs, and cultural events that support and uplift the Indian nursing community in Virginia. Her contributions have promoted professional growth, cultural integration, and advocacy for nurses of Indian origin, further enhancing her ability to lead with clarity, represent diverse voices, and foster strong professional networks. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new places with family and friends, shopping with her children, dancing, and practicing self-care and spiritual well-being.
Jyothis P. Jacob
Treasurer
RN, BSN
Jyothis P. Jacob
RN, BSN
Jyothis P Jacob has built a career on one simple but powerful belief: every patient deserves to feel seen, heard, and cared for with dignity.
Known for a warm smile and a calm, reassuring presence, Jyothis blends clinical expertise with genuine compassion, making a difference in the lives of patients and families every day.
After earning a nursing degree and becoming a Registered Nurse, Jyothis gained hands-on experience over 23 years in different specialties and 3 years as a manager, where quick thinking and attentive care are essential. Over the years, she has earned the trust of colleagues for being dependable in high-pressure situations and the gratitude of patients for offering kindness during some of their most challenging moments.
Beyond the hospital walls, Jyothis is passionate about health education, often guiding people toward healthier lifestyles and helping them understand their care plans.
Committee Chairs
Mary Pereira
Communication
RN, BSN
Annamma Lamy Thomas
Informatics Coordinator
RN, BSN, MSN - Informatics
Annamma Lamy Thomas
RN, BSN, MSN – Informatics
Lamy Thomas is a dedicated registered nurse with exceptional multitasking and organizational skills, widely recognized for a patient-centered approach and compassionate, friendly demeanor. With over 30 years of nursing experience across diverse clinical settings—including the Intensive Care Unit, Pediatric ICU, Medical-Surgical Unit, High Dependency Unit, and Emergency Department—she brings extensive expertise and adaptability to her practice.
She currently serves in a mental health facility at Virginia’s only maximum-security forensic hospital. In addition to her strong clinical background, Lamy possesses proven leadership abilities as a charge nurse, effectively managing assignments during staffing shortages, facilitating conflict resolution, and working collaboratively with unit managers and supervisors.
Lamy holds a Master’s degree in Nursing with a specialization in Health Informatics from Grand Canyon University—a unique discipline that integrates nursing science with information and computer science to manage and communicate healthcare data, information, and knowledge effectively. She is a super user in Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems, leveraging informatics to enhance nursing practice, support healthcare professionals, and improve patient care through optimized information management.
Areas of Expertise:
Superuser in Cerner Electronic Health Record (EHR) System
Clinical Nursing Leadership and RN Preceptorship (Since January 2024)
Skilled in Nursing Care Planning: Assessment, Implementation, and Evaluation
Patient Safety and Adherence to HIPAA and Hospital Compliance Standards
Proficient in Major EHR Systems: Cerner (Superuser Level) and Epic (Informatics Practicum Experience)
Accurate Documentation, Report Writing, and Data Management
Strong Communication and Interpersonal Skills
Experienced in End-User Training and EHR Implementation Support
Computer Literacy: Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Health Informatics and Clinical Documentation Improvement
Shivani
Communication
RN, BSN
Renimol Philip
Advocacy/Policy
DNP, APRN, PMHNP BC
Renimol Philip
DNP, APRN, PMHNP BC
Swapnamma Zachariah
RN, BSN, MSN
Swapnamma Zachariah
RN, BSN, MSN
Swapnamma Zacharia is a nurse with 29 years of experience in the healthcare field. She has worked in the Middle East as a Clinical Resource Nurse, gaining valuable insights into diverse clinical practices and patient care. With two decades dedicated to pediatric nursing, she has served both as a charge nurse and a clinical resource nurse, bringing leadership and expertise to her practice.
Her proficiency extends to Electronic Health Records (EHR), where she served as a Super User, ensuring smooth integration and effective utilization of EHR systems. She is also a graduate of the International Interprofessional Wound Care Course, highlighting her commitment to specialized patient care. In addition, she is a certified Basic Life Support (BLS) instructor with the American Heart Association, equipping healthcare professionals with vital life-saving skills.
Throughout her career, Swapnamma has collaborated with professional bodies to achieve accreditation for the Pathway to Excellence, demonstrating her dedication to advancing nursing standards. As an active participant in shared governance, she has played a pivotal role in driving organizational improvements and fostering a culture of excellence. She has also conducted journal clubs, promoting evidence-based practice and continuous learning among nursing professionals.
Mini Joseph
Fund Raising
B.tech, RN, BSN
Ligin U. Papachan
Election Committee
RN, BSN, MSN (Candidate)
Ligin U. Papachan
RN, BSN, MSN (Candidate)
My name is Unni Ligin Papachan, and I prefer to be called Ligin. I completed my schooling and nursing education in India, bringing over 25 years of bedside nursing experience to my role. Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working across multiple specialties, including ICU and Medical-Surgical nursing, where I honed my clinical skills and deepened my passion for patient care. I have had the honor of providing clinical guidance and instruction to nursing students for two years in medical-surgical units.
My journey also includes valuable international experience from the United Arab Emirates, where I specialized in oncology, particularly in head and neck cancer care. Five years ago, I moved to the United States, where I have been serving in a psychiatric hospital. For the past five years, my focus has been on psychiatric nursing, an area in which I continue to grow and make meaningful contributions. I am currently pursuing my Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) degree at Walden University, with the goal of expanding my scope of practice and further supporting mental health needs in the community.
Tessy Prakash
Fund Raising
RN, BSN
Sudha Anuroop
Awards/Scholarships
RN, BSN
Sudha Anuroop
RN, BSN
Sudha Anuroop is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years of experience working across multiple countries. She graduated from Hinduja Nursing College in Mumbai, India, and began her career as an Intensive Care Nurse at Hinduja Hospital. After gaining valuable experience there, she moved to Bahrain and served at the Defense Hospital for three years.
Her passion for critical care led her to the UK, where she worked in the ICU at Manchester Royal Infirmary, one of the largest hospitals in the country, for seven years. She later returned to India, where she spent ten fulfilling years practicing nursing while also engaging in charity work with her family, a cause that has always been close to her heart.
In 2021, Sudha relocated to the United States, where she currently works as a Registered Nurse in a correctional facility. Throughout her career, she has remained committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care, adapting to diverse healthcare environments, and continually advancing both professionally and personally. She currently serves in the Virginia Indian Nurses Association (VINA) as the Awards and Scholarships Chair, actively supporting initiatives that recognize excellence and promote educational advancement within the nursing community.
Minu Shibu
Editorial
DNP, APRN, PMHNP BC
Minu Shibu
DNP, APRN, PMHNP BC
Dr. Minu Shibu is a highly accomplished nursing professional with over 17 years of bedside experience, currently specializing in psychiatric nursing. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) and is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). A lifelong learner, Dr. Shibu believes that education is a never-ending journey and is deeply motivated to continuously advance her knowledge and expertise.
Her professional passion lies in reducing stigma surrounding mental health and promoting compassionate, evidence-based care for individuals living with psychiatric conditions. Alongside her clinical work, she serves as a dedicated preceptor for new registered nurses and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) students, ensuring they gain the best possible foundation for a successful career.
She is an active leader within the Virginia Indian Nurses Association (VINA), where she holds the position of Editorial and Journal Chair, contributing to the organization’s mission of professional development and community engagement. She is also a proud member of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, recognized for her academic excellence at VCU School of Nursing.
She earned the prestigious University Gold Medal for academic excellence in the state of Telangana, a distinction that fueled her drive to pursue higher education and excellence in nursing practice. She continues to inspire friends, colleagues, and students to strive for lifelong learning and professional growth.
Jayasudha Paramasivam
Advance Nursing Practice
MSN, APRN, PMHN-BC